Though closely related, building a house and maintaining a household are two very different activities. When building a house, there are many one-time-tasks that are completed with each one adding to another to make the project greater until completion. These tasks include sequential activities such as clearing the land, pouring the foundation, putting up walls, and adding a roof. Once a house is built, the builders walk away, and the house will still stand.
On the other hand, maintaining a household involves ongoing tasks that need to be completed on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis in order to see the atmosphere thrive. This might involve trimming shrubbery, cleaning a pool, or even grocery shopping. The maintenance does not stop there; the occasional new or even urgent task might emerge that could be added to your list of repeated activities.
The above illustrations can easily apply to a business environment, but it is of utmost importance that the proper management tool is used. A situation with a defined end and multiple milestones calls for a POAM, while repeated activities best call for a task list. Knowing what tool to use will optimize results and minimize confusion.
“Plan of Action and Milestones,” more commonly known as POAM, is best utilized when each action taken is required for progression and deemed a milestone. Generally, there are two types of actions that can be considered: those that are sequential (completed one after another), and parallel (completed at the same time). The result of each of these milestones is clearly defined and trackable. Using a POAM can trace progress which encourages employees to stay dedicated and focused on completion.
When the activities necessary for completion are repetitive, a task list is a better tool to use. Task lists generally contain activities needed to maintain an atmosphere. These lists can be altered in a sense where activities can be added or taken away. Actions that are added may be tasks that were initially unexpected, but necessary for a short amount of time.
Your company will greatly benefit from your knowledge of when to use a POAM and when actions require a task list. These tools are often mixed up with one another or considered interchangeable, but they are not. Know what each tool is. Know when to use each tool. Implement and reap the benefits of organization and progression within your business!
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